When he turned silent, Hope leaned forward. “And?”
“And I wrote and answered their questions. Yesterday I received a response from them.” He smiled at his daughter.
“Were they pleased with the progress you’ve made? What did they say?”
He cleared his throat. “They say it will soon be time for the Herald of Hope to move on and help in another community.”
Panic seized her. “Move on? Why? Because the church is being rebuilt? When do they want you to leave? Exactly what did they say?”
Luke reached for her hand and gently covered it with his own. “Don’t get yourself all worked up, Hope. You’re hitting him with more questions than a load of buckshot. Give your pa a chance to answer.”
Hope exhaled a long breath and stared at her father. “Could we please have more details?” She turned toward Luke. “Was that better?”
He grinned and nodded. “Much.”
“The association believes we’ve done a good job here in Finch, what with rebuilding the church at the—”
“But it’s not complete yet.” Hope couldn’t stop herself. “Did you tell them the steeple isn’t finished and we’ve got to get windows put in before winter? And that we only have benches to sit on until we can afford pews? And that the bell hasn’t arrived yet?”
Her father directed a forlorn look at the congealed bubbles of grease that had formed on his bacon. “I should have finished eating before I mentioned the letter.”
“You could eat while I read the letter.” Hope extended her hand.
“Read it aloud so Luke hears what they had to say.” Her father pushed the letter across the table.
Hope scooped up the envelope and withdrew the folded page. She cleared her throat and glanced at Luke as she spread open the creamy stationery.
Dear Reverend Irvine,
Thank you for your recent response to our earlier inquiry regarding your pastoral duties in Finch, West Virginia. Having examined your report, the association has made the following decision. The Herald of Hope will remain in Finch until April of next year in order to give you adequate time to complete construction of the church building and to make certain you have returned to full health.
As to your recommendation of a preacher for the church in Finch, we agree with your recommendation that Luke Hughes continue under your tutelage until you depart. At that time, we recommend he take over as pastor of the church there. If Mr. Hughes accepts the position, the association will pay him a monthly stipend and provide adequate living accommodations. Your letter stated that your daughter, Hope, is engaged to Mr. Hughes. Since she will no longer accompany you on the Herald of Hope, we will grant your request and donate the chapel car organ to the newly established church in Finch. You may return to use of the gramophone at your new assignment.
As the date of your departure draws closer, we will contact you regarding your new assignment. Please accept our grateful thanks for the good work you and your daughter have accomplished in Finch.
“Oh, Papa. This is all so wonderful.” Hope clutched the letter to the bodice of her blue-print blouse. “Except for the portion about you leaving.”
Her father patted her shoulder. “Whenever I go into a town, I know it will only be for a season. My work here is almost done, and I know I’m going to be leaving it in good hands. With Luke serving as pastor of the church and you by his side to help, I know the Lord will continue to do good things in this town.”
“I’m honored you would submit my name to lead the church, but I’m not sure I’m qualified. I don’t have all that seminary education like you. I’m not sure I’ve had enough training to be the preacher.”
“I’m sure or I wouldn’t have recommended you, Luke. There are lots of preachers who are called to spread God’s Word who haven’t attended seminary. You gained a solid knowledge of the Bible years ago, you’ve studied with me, you’ve been given a gift to preach, and you’ve expressed to me that you believe the Lord has called you to preach. The door has opened, Luke. You need only step through.” Hope’s father pushed away from the table. “Besides, it’s only October. You have six more months to study and become comfortable with the idea.” He turned to his daughter. “And you, my dear, have six more months to plan a wedding.”
She nodded in agreement, yet his reminder of the wedding was also a signal that her life would forever change in six months. Would she adjust to life without her father nearby? Could she adapt to a permanent life in Finch? Would she and Luke be happy once they married? A knot of fear settled in the pit of her stomach, and she quietly excused herself and stepped into the sanctuary.
She sat down on the organ stool, rested her fingers on the keys, and began to play “Trust and Obey.” Moments later, the deep baritone and tenor voices of her father and Luke wafted into the room. When they stepped behind her, she glanced over her shoulder and smiled at the two men she loved.
CHAPTER
29
April 1914
Hope traced her fingers over the thin layer of dust that covered the old suitcase her father had removed from among his stored belongings. She’d never before seen this tattered bag and, with their limited space in the railcar, was surprised he’d kept it. He’d placed it in front of her with great reverence and now instructed her to open it.
“Shortly after your mother’s death, your aunt Mattie made me promise to keep this and give it to you when you were preparing for your wedding.”
Hope couldn’t help but smile. “Was she so certain I would find a willing suitor way back then?”
“She was. And so was I, or I wouldn’t have kept it all these years.”
She unbuckled the metal clasps and lifted the lid. Tissue covered the contents, and Hope slowly peeled away the layers, then gasped in disbelief. “Oh, Papa. It’s Mama’s wedding dress.” Her chest tightened as tears welled in her eyes. How many times had she looked at the wedding picture of her parents, her mother wearing this delicate lace wedding dress and Papa in his fine black suit?
Hope lifted the dress with great care and held it in front of her body. “I think it will fit, don’t you?”
Her father coughed and turned away for a moment. “Yes. You’re much the same size as your mother when we married.” Hope didn’t miss the tears in his eyes. If he blinked, they would escape and run unchecked down his cheeks. “And there’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll be as beautiful on your wedding day as she was on ours.”
“Thank you, Papa.” She stepped forward and gently kissed his cheek. “You know I’m going to miss you, don’t you?”
He offered a sad smile and nodded. “And I’m going to miss you. To think that a year ago I did my best to talk you out of coming with me, and now . . .” His voice trailed off, and he gave a slight shake of his head. “And now you’re going to be a preacher’s wife. You’ve been a real blessing to me and to the people of this community, Hope. I know they’re pleased you’ll be staying here.” He brightened. “I didn’t mean to sound so maudlin. After all, I’m not going to be so far away, and Jed tells me the railroaders are so happy you’ll still be in Finch to play the organ, they’ve agreed to see that you get a railroad pass every now and again so you can come visit me.”
“That’s kind of them.” She squeezed her father’s hand. “I just wish you could stay in Finch a little longer.”
“The association leadership has been very patient while I’ve regained my strength. Besides, I’m ready to move on and meet some new folks and face new challenges.” He gestured toward the gown. “I’ll leave you to try on the dress and see if it needs to be altered before the wedding. I have a few things that need my attention in town.” He picked up his hat and gave her a quick wave before departing.
Hope spread the dress across the narrow couch. Using a light touch, she studied the scalloped lace sleeves, gently pressing the pale blue satin ribbon with her fingers. How she wished her mother and Aunt Mattie could be here for her wedding day. Yet deep within she knew they would be wi
th her in spirit, and that thought alone would provide her with pure delight.
Earlier in the day, Hope had awakened with a smile on her face. Today was her wedding day. Even before breakfast, she’d been silently repeating those wondrous words. A bright April sun shone over the mountainside, promising a gorgeous day, and heightened her anticipation.
Nellie, along with her mother and some of the other ladies from the hill, had arrived a short time ago and decorated the sanctuary of the chapel car with fragrant lilacs, ox-eye daisies, and wild roses from their flower gardens. When they finished, they’d gone to the church to decorate for the reception that would follow the ceremony. Although the church had been completed, Hope and Luke decided there was only one place they wanted to join their lives—inside the chapel car. This itinerant church was what had brought them together.
After stepping from their living quarters, Hope sat down in one of the pews. Only God could have put all the pieces together to answer so many prayers—both said and unsaid. Her humble words of thanks hardly seemed adequate, but God knew her heart.
Moments later, she startled when Nellie threw open the door. “Sorry. Your pa said to go on in. You ready to get dressed? You know you don’t have to marry that brother of mine if you’re having second thoughts.” Her eyes twinkled with mischief.
“I’m not.” Hope stood. “And I can’t wait to be his wife.”
“You know he snores.” Nellie giggled and then gave Hope a hug. “I’m glad we’re going to be sisters.”
“I am too.” Hope motioned to their living quarters, where the wedding dress hung from a hook on the door.
“Oh, Hope, it’s the purtiest thing I’ve ever seen.” Nellie gestured to the thin gold chain with a cross that encircled Hope’s neck. “And I ain’t never seen that necklace before, either.” She lifted the cross between her thumb and index finger. “That’s sure somethin’. Was that your ma’s, too?”
“No. Papa sent off for it after Luke and I got engaged. He said he wanted to give me something special on my wedding day.” She choked back tears. “I have my dress from Ma, the necklace from Pa, and I’m carrying a lace handkerchief that belonged to Aunt Mattie. I think it’s perfect.”
An hour later, Hope stood in front of the tiny mirror in the chapel car’s living quarters. She couldn’t see the entire dress, but Nellie assured her she was beautiful. She fingered the delicate lace trim. What would her mother say if she were present? Would she kiss her cheek? Tell her about the secrets of the wedding night to come?
Hope felt her cheeks grow warm. Just then the familiar mellow tones of the gramophone began, and her pulse quickened. Nellie, dressed in her Sunday best, led the way down the narrow aisle.
Since her father was performing the ceremony, they’d agreed she would walk down the aisle alone. There wasn’t room for two abreast, anyway. Hope stepped into the aisle, and everyone who’d squeezed into the pews of the chapel car stood. She studied their smiling faces. These townspeople had become her friends and her family.
She glanced at her father, who beamed with pride. God had given her a wonderful father, and she silently thanked Him as she stepped forward.
Her gaze shifted to Jimmy Ray, Luke’s best man who’d been released from jail a few months ago. The young man had grown so much in his love for the Lord.
And finally she looked at the handsome man who was about to become her husband.
Luke. God’s greatest gift to her. A man of honor. A man of God.
How strange to realize that she’d come on the Herald of Hope chapel car thinking she could bring hope to the people of Finch. Her heart swelled with the knowledge she now embraced. Only God could truly bring the hope these people needed—the hope she needed. He was the hope that anchored their souls.
And He was the anchor that would hold the two of them, their children, and their children’s children fast to Him.
Special thanks to . . .
My editor and the entire staff of Bethany House, for their devotion to publishing the best product possible. It is a privilege to work with all of you.
Carolyn Poe, for her generous spirit and willingness to loan me myriad materials to assist me in my research of the chapel car ministry.
Mary Greb-Hall, for her ongoing encouragement, expertise, and sharp eye.
Lorna Seilstad, for her honest critiques and steadfast friendship.
Mary Kay Woodford, my sister, my prayer warrior, my friend.
Justin, Jenna, and Jessa, for their support and the joy they bring to me during the writing process and throughout my life.
Above all, thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ, for the opportunity to live my dream and share the wonder of His love through story.
Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy makes her home in Topeka, Kansas.
Books by Judith Miller
The Carousel Painter
BELLS OF LOWELL*
Daughter of the Loom • A Fragile Design
These Tangled Threads
LIGHTS OF LOWELL*
A Tapestry of Hope • A Love Woven True
The Pattern of Her Heart
POSTCARDS FROM PULLMAN
In the Company of Secrets
Whispers Along the Rails • An Uncertain Dream
THE BROADMOOR LEGACY*
A Daughter’s Inheritance
An Unexpected Love • A Surrendered Heart
DAUGHTERS OF AMANA
Somewhere to Belong • More Than Words
A Bond Never Broken
BRIDAL VEIL ISLAND*
To Have and To Hold • To Love and Cherish
To Honor and Trust
HOME TO AMANA
A Hidden Truth • A Simple Change • A Shining Light
REFINED BY LOVE
The Brickmaker’s Bride • The Potter’s Lady
The Artisan’s Wife
The Chapel Car Bride
www.judithmccoymiller.com
*with Tracie Peterson
Resources: bethanyhouse.com/AnOpenBook
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Twitter: @Bethany House
The Chapel Car Bride Page 29
